Veronica Wood
July 2025
Veronica
Wood
,
RN
Surgery
Mercy Hospital Springfield
Springfield
,
MO
United States
This was late in the day on Friday before the holiday, and Veronica stopped everything she was doing and called the patient, and listened very carefully to his concerns about blurry vision and fear that he was going to lose his eyesight.
Veronica has worked for this Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for 20 years and has always shown great compassion and exceptional skill with all patients. Recently, she had a patient experience that is a perfect example of how she makes a difference.
Our patient had surgery on a Wednesday and sent a My Mercy message on Friday that they had concerns. All of the concerns were normal post-surgery symptoms, and the patient was reassured that all appeared normal, but to let us know if they persisted. The patient continued to call the office and stated that they were concerned about their vision.
This was late in the day on Friday before the holiday, and Veronica stopped everything she was doing and called the patient, and listened very carefully to his concerns about blurry vision and fear that he was going to lose his eyesight. She told him that he should be seen by his eye doctor. He stated that his primary care doctor already referred him to Mercy Ophthalmology and he had an appointment the same day. Veronica reassured him that this was the right action to take. She then called the patient on Saturday on her day off to check on him and learned that he had been admitted to the hospital. She asked the patient if she could pray with him and his wife, and she did so over the phone. They were very thankful for her care and asked her to also pray for a friend who was also in the room with them. She did that also over the speaker phone.
This patient was admitted for a very serious eye problem that could have been overlooked and could have resulted in blindness. Veronica understands that patients need to be listened to even when it seems they are overreacting.
On Tuesday, that patient called to ask if he could come by the office to meet Veronica and give her a hug. He was so touched by her care and compassion, and wanted to put a face with her name.
The greatest thing about Veronica's actions is that they are not unusual. This is an everyday action for her, and she gives all the glory to Jesus, her rock and her redeemer.
I am blessed to be her leader, friend, and co-worker, and am thankful that we work in a system where this is valued and recognized.
Our patient had surgery on a Wednesday and sent a My Mercy message on Friday that they had concerns. All of the concerns were normal post-surgery symptoms, and the patient was reassured that all appeared normal, but to let us know if they persisted. The patient continued to call the office and stated that they were concerned about their vision.
This was late in the day on Friday before the holiday, and Veronica stopped everything she was doing and called the patient, and listened very carefully to his concerns about blurry vision and fear that he was going to lose his eyesight. She told him that he should be seen by his eye doctor. He stated that his primary care doctor already referred him to Mercy Ophthalmology and he had an appointment the same day. Veronica reassured him that this was the right action to take. She then called the patient on Saturday on her day off to check on him and learned that he had been admitted to the hospital. She asked the patient if she could pray with him and his wife, and she did so over the phone. They were very thankful for her care and asked her to also pray for a friend who was also in the room with them. She did that also over the speaker phone.
This patient was admitted for a very serious eye problem that could have been overlooked and could have resulted in blindness. Veronica understands that patients need to be listened to even when it seems they are overreacting.
On Tuesday, that patient called to ask if he could come by the office to meet Veronica and give her a hug. He was so touched by her care and compassion, and wanted to put a face with her name.
The greatest thing about Veronica's actions is that they are not unusual. This is an everyday action for her, and she gives all the glory to Jesus, her rock and her redeemer.
I am blessed to be her leader, friend, and co-worker, and am thankful that we work in a system where this is valued and recognized.